Sochi's Olympic opening ceremony

Russia's Winter Olympics officially got underway on Friday on the Black Sea coast with a burst of fireworks and an extravagant opening ceremony.

President Vladimir Putin has staked his reputation on hosting a safe and successful Games in the resort town of Sochi, where a high-octane show before 40,000 spectators signalled the start of the costliest Olympics in history.

7 Feb 2014. SOCHI, Russia. REUTERS/David Gray

In an embarrassing early technical glitch, one of the five Olympic rings suspended high above the stage failed to unfurl, meaning that the giant structure could not be illuminated by fireworks as planned.

But the show went on, blending cartoon-style inflatable domes, spectacular ballroom dancing amid towering imperial columns, and giant avant-garde shapes hovering above symbols of revolution and upheaval in a sweep through Russian history.

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7 Feb 2014. SOCHI, Russia. REUTERS/Alexander Demianchuk

Fireworks explode over the Olympic Park.

7 Feb 2014. Sochi, Russia. REUTERS/Mark Blinch

A scene from the ceremony depicts Russia's early history.

7 Feb 2014. SOCHI, Russia. REUTERS/David Gray

The Russian flag flies as the stadium is lit up in the country's red, blue and white.

7 Feb 2014. SOCHI, Russia. REUTERS/David Gray

Performers march through fog and swing from ropes during the opening ceremony.

7 Feb 2014. SOCHI, Russia. REUTERS/Phil Noble

Actors perform underneath snowflakes that were meant to unfurl into the five Olympic rings. All but one opened up during the show.

7 Feb 2014. SOCHI, Russia. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

A performer dances to Swan Lake, a ballet written by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.